Dean of Students Named

From Kenyon News - June 3, 2016

Janet Lohmann, the associate dean of student affairs and dean of first-year students at Bowdoin College, joins Kenyon as dean of students Aug. 1.

Lohmann has served Bowdoin in a number of roles since January 2003. Bowdoin is a highly selective, residential liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine, with an enrollment of 1,800 undergraduate students.

"Janet is a committed, student-centered professional who possesses a sharp intellect and appreciation for the residential, liberal arts experience," said Vice President for Student Affairs Meredith Harper Bonham '92. "In the search process, she immediately connected with students, and they with her — no doubt due to her keen listening skills and thoughtful approach. I am delighted to have her join the Kenyon community and look forward to a close and active partnership in Student Affairs."

Lohmann arrived at Bowdoin in 2003 as a visiting assistant professor of sociology, a role she held for four years. She became assistant dean of student affairs in July 2007 before transitioning into her current role in July 2008. She served for four months as interim senior associate dean of student affairs.

Lohmann said, "From my initial meeting with members of the search committee, I felt the care and commitment of the people at Kenyon. That feeling was deepened during my campus visit. It is clear to me that a number of special qualities define Kenyon, but the essential core lies in the people and their strong belief in relationship building. The talented students, devoted faculty and dedicated staff make for a transformative experience for all, and I am thrilled to be joining this community."

Lohmann takes over as dean of students from Henry "Hank" Toutain H'16, who retired this spring after seven years at Kenyon. Lohmann was selected by an 11-member search committee chaired by Professor of History Jeff Bowman and including faculty, staff and students. The executive search firm Isaacson, Miller helped conduct the national search.

Bowman said, "She has a proven track record of imaginative, calm and energetic leadership in student affairs. Her belief in the transformative power of liberal education and her passionate commitment to the development of students from a wide range of backgrounds make her an ideal candidate for the Dean of Students position."

"Dean Lohmann simply felt like a perfect fit for Kenyon," said Sam Clougher '17, a member of the search committee. "She stood out for her strong and personable interactions with the committee. I fully believe Dean Lohmann will do an incredible job succeeding the fabulous Dean Toutain."

As dean of students, Lohmann will oversee the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities as well as health and counseling services. She also will oversee and manage individual student issues, including problem-solving and conflict resolution with students and families.

The first in her family to attend college, Lohmann earned a bachelor's from Lehigh University in 1987 and a master's in social relations from Lehigh in 1989. She earned a doctorate in sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2000, focusing her dissertation on sexual assault on college campuses. In addition to her extensive work in student affairs, she has taught courses on criminology and gender and race relations.